It starts with your boldness to believe in your ideas and build something real, to proudly say, I grew it.

Absa EDHE Innovation Challenge

scroll for more

Across South Africa’s universities, a new generation of entrepreneurs is stepping forward and creating opportunity.
The Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education (EDHE) Programme, in partnership with Absa, exists to support that journey. By empowering student entrepreneurs to turn ideas into action, EDHE is helping shape businesses that grow, contribute and create impact.

What is EDHE ?

The EDHE Programme is a national initiative focused on embedding entrepreneurship within South Africa’s public universities.
Through practical support, skills development and real-world exposure, EDHE encourages students to pursue entrepreneurship while studying, giving them the tools to build sustainable ventures and the confidence to participate meaningfully in the economy.

At the heart of this programme is Studentpreneur, a flagship platform designed to help young entrepreneurs develop, test and showcase their business ideas within a supportive ecosystem.

 

 

 

About Studentpreneur

Studentpreneur is where ambition meets action.
It’s a platform created for students who are either already building or ready to start building businesses alongside their studies. Through a mix of business development support, experiential learning and networking opportunities, Studentpreneur helps young entrepreneurs sharpen their ideas and bring them to life.

Participants gain access to:

â—Ź Opportunities to develop and refine their ventures
â—Ź Platforms to pitch their ideas and gain real-world exposure
â—Ź A community that encourages collaboration, learning and growth.

More than a platform, Studentpreneur is a space where student voices are heard, and future business leaders begin shaping the entrepreneurial ecosystems within their universities.

 

Our Role

At Absa, we believe that entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of growth for individuals, communities and economies.
Our partnership with EDHE reflects our commitment to supporting young entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey.

By backing initiatives like Studentpreneur, Absa helps create pathways for youth to access skills, networks and opportunities that turn potential into progress.
Because when young entrepreneurs grow, South Africa grows too.

ABSAEDHE-5716
ABSAEDHE-5725
ABSAEDHE-5984
ABSAEDHE-5561
ABSAEDHE-5764
ABSAEDHE-5925
ABSAEDHE-5529
18029607

The EDHE Absa Innovation Challenge

The EDHE Programme culminates in a national innovation challenge, where student entrepreneurs are invited to enter, pitch and progress through various stages of the competition.

From early awareness and participation through to final pitching stages, the challenge gives participants the chance to:

â—Ź Test their ideas in real-world conditions
â—Ź Receive feedback and exposure
â—Ź Compete for recognition and support at a national level.

It’s not just about winning. It’s about learning, building resilience and gaining the skills needed to grow a business beyond the university environment.

 

For more information, click here 

 

Who can take part ?

If you’re a student entrepreneur between the ages of 18 and 35, studying at one of South Africa’s public universities, the EDHE Programme is for you.
Whether your idea is still taking shape or your business is already up and running, EDHE is designed to meet you where you are and help you move forward.

Your Story Matters

Every business starts with a belief.
Every journey starts with someone willing to try.
EDHE and Absa are here to support the students who dare to say: “I grew it.”